Library Resources Research Articles

Political Factors of Expansion and Stabilization of Imᾱmῑ Shiism in Mazandaran

The emergence of Shiism in the east of the Islamic caliphate occurred in the first centuries with the presence of the Shiite Alawites, and the area of the shores of the Caspian Sea was considered one of their main bases. Their actions in this region led to many developments in various fields, which, in addition to Mazandaran, affected large areas of Iran and the Islamic world. Although the expansion of the Shiite school in Mazandaran is the result of several factors, each of which can be discussed in its place - in terms of history and formation, the present research aims to investigate the political factors of the formation of Shiism in Mazandaran. It seeks to answer the question, "What did political factors cause the expansion and stabilization of Imᾱmῑ Shiism in Mazandaran?" The research method is descriptive-analytical, and data collection has been done using library resources. The results show that the formation of local governments such as Bavandians, Mar'ashians, etc., as well as the political relations of scholars and local rulers, such as the actions of Sayed Haider Amoli and Abdur Rahim bin Ma'rouf Rostamdari, are among the factors that play a major role in the expansion and consolidation of Imᾱmῑ Shiism in Mazandaran.

Editors-in-chief publishing in dental journals: Concerns in self-publishing.

Editors-in-chief (EICs) have a significant amount of control over the publications that are accepted in their journals, which may result in ethical predicaments. This study investigates the potential conflict of interest of EICs from various dental journals by quantifying the number of their self-published articles during their years as EIC. Based on representation across many dental disciplines and high impact factors, 67 EICs from 19 dental journals during 1990-2023 were studied. To keep anonymity, each journal was randomly assigned a letter A-S and each editor-in-chief (EIC) was given the same letter as their journal with a random number 1-67. After gathering the years each EIC served, online library resources were searched to enumerate each EIC's lifetime publications and total self-publications during their term, excluding editorials for both counts. Descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate the results. The results indicate that 16 EICs self-published more than the average of 23.27 articles during their term. When considering EIC tenure, a ratio of self-publications per year was calculated, averaging 2.12 publications. Twenty-two EICs authored more articles annually than the average ratio. After calculating the impact factors of each EIC from the years they serviced their journal, a total of 22 impact factors exceeded the established mean of 2.45. Lastly, when comparing the percentage of self-publications from total lifetime publications, 24 of 67 EICs were above the average. Overall, a significantly increased number of self-publications was detected, presenting potential conflicts of interest for EICs. Therefore, it remains essential to develop clear guidelines and international standards regarding the practice of EICs self-publishing in their journals during their service term.

An exploratory study on a comprehensive set of criteria for facade assessment

Purpose The presentation of all required criteria that a facade should fulfill needs to be revised, particularly considering novel perspectives on facade. This study aims to fill this need because leaving it unsolved leads the specialists to evaluate and design facades based on insufficient data resulting in imprecise decisions in both areas. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory study was conducted based on library resources to identify and extract the criteria, which were coded openly and axially, and categorized via a new standpoint. Shannon method was also used to analyze categories’ frequencies. Findings In total, 42 criteria were found and organized in five categories: “Environmental Aspects,” “Social Impacts,” “Economic Aspects,” “Efficiency and Effectiveness” and “Technical Issues.” This study adds 20 criteria, including “Natural Resource Depletion” and “Clients’ Preferences,” to facade assessment criteria compared to previous studies. Compared to similar research, “Technical Aspects” is augmented to this field's categorizations, whereas “Social Impacts” and “Environmental Aspects” are provided in a more extensive way. Research limitations/implications The research proceeded until theoretical saturation; therefore, there is no claim to be the most comprehensive. The findings are instrumental to professionals for making practical decisions. The concentration and frequency of the literature will offer an insight to academics about the pioneering fields of facade development. Originality/value This study presents a comprehensive and up-to-date set of facade assessment criteria based on new approaches that see facade as a multifunctional component that must address various requirements beyond aesthetics.

A mass spectrometry database for the identification of marine animal saponin-related metabolites.

Saponins encompass a diverse group of naturally occurring glycoside molecules exhibiting amphiphilic properties and a broad range of biological activities. There is a resurgence of interest in those saponins produced by marine organisms based on their potential therapeutic benefits, application in food products and most recently their potential involvement in intra- and inter-species chemical communication. The continual advancements in liquid chromatography techniques and mass spectrometry technologies have allowed for greater detection rates, as well as improved isolation and elucidation of saponins. These factors have significantly contributed to the expansion in the catalogue of known saponin structures isolated from marine invertebrates; however, there currently exists no specific chemical library resource to accelerate the discovery process. In this study, a Marine Animal Saponin Database (MASD v1.0) has been developed to serve as a valuable chemical repository for known marine saponin-related data, including chemical formula, molecular mass and biological origin of nearly 1000 secondary metabolites associated with saponins produced by marine invertebrates. We demonstrate its application with an exemplar asteroid extract (Acanthaster cf. solaris, also known as crown-of-thorns starfish; COTS), identifying saponins from the MASD v1.0 that have been previously reported from COTS, as well as 21 saponins isolated from multiple other related asteroid species. This database will help facilitate future research endeavours, aiding researchers in exploring the vast chemical diversity of saponins produced by marine organisms and providing ecological insights, and the realisation of their potential for various applications, including as pharmaceuticals.

A Case Study Analysis of Library Services for Adults Experiencing Chronic Homelessness in Harrison County, Mississippi

ABSTRACT The author partnered with the Harrison County Library System (HCLS) to create a multilevel program plan for expanding library services to the growing number of homeless people who seek refuge in the library’s facilities. The research for this program plan involved evaluating existing library resources such as collections, programming, and available staff resources; identifying the best practices for providing services to people experiencing homelessness; identifying staff perceptions of working with the homeless; and identifying potential partners for expanded service offerings. The author used document analysis to research data on the library system (IMLS 2021 and reviewed library policy to identify barriers to providing service for the homeless. The author applied qualitative and humanistic research methods involving personal narratives (scenarios) provided through two separate one-on-one interviews with the library director to discuss the library system in general, and one one-on-one interview with six library staff working in the three libraries with the highest use by people experiencing homelessness. This paper discusses the findings from this mixed methods research project and their application to expanding services for chronically homeless patrons who use the HCLS.

An Innovative, Collaborative, and Transformative Program to Enhance Off-Campus Clinical Faculty Engagement.

Off-campus (volunteer, community-based) clinical faculty, upon whom medical schools heavily depend, are an integral component of medical education. However, challenges hinder their involvement in medical school governance and other activities, including inadequate communication, lack of recognition, high clinical demands that may preclude teaching, and time-consuming non-clinical tasks. While faculty appointments offer benefits like free CME, access to library resources, and email communications, faculty often prioritize potential contributions to their teaching roles over these benefits. Our medical school launched a new initiative to tackle these issues head-on. We established an Office of Faculty Engagement (OFE) that leverages engagement strategies to enhance communication, broaden access to campus resources, and provide tailored rewards for clinicians. We rebranded volunteer clinical faculty as Off-Campus Faculty (OCF) to foster a more interactive relationship and innovative measures, including personalized welcome emails, a dedicated point of contact for OCF, a user-friendly website, regular orientations, faculty development programs, recognition and appreciation events, and exclusive awards. From August 2021 to December 2023, we contacted 587 OCF members; 85 faculty members experienced improved communication. This innovative approach streamlines and personalizes interactions with OCF, enhances their satisfaction, and represents a transformative opportunity to engage and involve OCF in medical education.

The Role of the Digital Library in the Development and Encouragement of Scientific Research During the Corona Pandemic

The study aimed to shed light on the impact of using the digital library in encouraging and developing scientific research from the point of view of graduate students at the College of Business at King Khalid University during the COVID-19 crisis. The descriptive analytical approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data and information, and the SPSS program was used to analyze the data. The study reached several results, including the fact that the digital library helps detect plagiarism, forgery, copying, and imitation in scientific and technological research and facilitates communication between academic researchers from faculty members and students by logging in. The digital library and the exchange of ideas and information contribute to the development of scientific research. Graduate students use the resources in the digital library to efficiently complete their assignments and scientific research. The use of the digital library contributed to saving time and effort for graduate students. It was recommended that the culture of digital awareness be spread by preparing workshops for graduate students to introduce them to digital libraries and teach them how to use and activate them in the service of scientific research.

Development and implementation of a digital remote symptom monitoring program (RESPONSe) to support patients undergoing IV chemotherapy at a community ambulatory cancer clinic in Richmond, BC, Canada.

406 Background: We identified delays in accessing symptom management during treatment as an existing care gap at the Richmond Cancer Clinic. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been demonstrated to communication, quality of life, and reduce symptom burden and acute care utilization. The RESPONSe program was initiated to address this gap by implementing a digital remote symptom monitoring (RSM) system paired with a supporting Symptom Management Nurse (SMN). Methods: We designed a digital RSM system to collect PROMs at specific timepoints during the first 6 months of IV chemotherapy initiation, with automated triaging logic to flag symptoms of concern that would result in a phone call from the SMN. Routine surveys include baseline, health-checks on days 3 and 10 post-chemotherapy, and pre-doctor’s-appointment; with optional health checks available anytime. Through competitive procurement, SeamlessMD was selected as the technology partner. From Aug 2023 to Jan 2024, multiple design cycles with dry run testing were held to incorporate branching logic, COSTARS oncology symptom specific questionnaires, automatic triaging flags, immediate self—management tips and links to educational resources. Concurrent development of SMN clinical workflows included in-person patient enrolment, digital dashboard monitoring and integration with the clinical chart. Results: From Jan 22-Apr 30, 2024, 32 patients have been enrolled with 42% over the age of 70. 90% of patients completed the baseline survey, 79% of patients completed at least 1 post-treatment health check and 45% completed at least 1 pre-doctors’-appointment survey. An average of 22 library resources were accessed per patient. Through the system, 19 severe and 34 moderate symptoms were identified. The dashboard prompted 63 telephone calls from the SMN, with a further 28 follow-up calls required. Early 3-month patient experience surveys (n=8) indicate high satisfaction, with 100% of patients saying they would recommend the program to others undergoing treatment. 87.5% of patients felt the system was very helpful in communicating their issues to the clinical team, with 100% reporting very high/extreme satisfaction with the support provided by the SMN. Additionally, 67% of patients felt very satisfied with the RESPONSe program overall. Conclusions: The RESPONSe program demonstrates the potential of digital RSM systems in improving patient-centered care and assisting with symptom reporting and management. Initial results suggest high engagement and patient satisfaction, showing this is a feasible approach in community oncology settings. We will be reviewing acute care utilization to assess the impact of the RESPONSe program on emergency room visits and hospitalization.

"Hommage bien amical". Foreign contacts of Professor Barbara Skarga (1919-2009) based on provenance analysis of selected copies from her private book collection

The article presents the effect of the research conducted on the subject “Private book collection of Professor Barbara Skarga within the library collection of the Joint Libraries of the Faculties of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Warsaw, Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Philosophical Society”. During many years of her scientific career, Professor Barbara Skarga (1919–2009) gathered a vast and diverse book collection. After her death, following her final will, it was handed over to the Joint Libraries of the WFiS UW, IFiS PAN, and PTF and included in the Institute of Philosophy of the Polish Academy of Sciences library resources. Barbara Skarga cooperated with many institutions that gathered researchers specializing in philosophy, as well as sociology and theology, which influenced the contents of her book collection. This article includes qualitative, quantitative, and provenance analyses of Skarga’s book collection. Using the provenance and bibliographical methods allowed us to recreate the history of the book collection and Skarga’s contacts with, among others, the French scientific community.

Utilization of ICT-based Library Resources and Services by Research Scholars of JNU, New Delhi: A Study

Utilization of ICT-based Library Resources and Services by Research Scholars of JNU, New Delhi: A Study

Library Resource Utilization and User Satisfaction Study

Libraries are collections of books and other information materials. Chosen by experts and defined for reference or borrowing, access to community history, users come to libraries to read, study or reference. Libraries contain a wide variety of materials. In the library we find all kinds of content, such as books, movies, audio and video recordings, maps, photos, computer software, databases, online databases and other media. The libraries of each college play an important role in the improvement of the institution. The main objective of this study was to examine and analysis the consumer satisfaction among the faculty members and students of Satyam College of Polytechnic, Nakodar. The research revealed that most users were satisfied with the availability of information resources and services. Promote awareness and use of electronic information sources

A Study on the Utilization of Library Information Resources for Undergraduate Students in Women's Colleges of Government Level from 2017 to 2023

The aim of this study to find out the effective usage of Library and information resource from our college undergraduate students to develop their academic and career achievements. This study was only conducted for “BA” and, “Bcom” final year students from 2017 to 2023. Co - relation of the student’s response with their academic and currier achievement had significant relationship to their use of books and use of competitive magazines, reference material, and other electronic materials.

Exploring the Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Higher Education Students’ Utilization of Library Resources

In the field of higher education, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has become a revolutionary influence, shaping how students access and use library resources. This study explores the intricate balance of both positive and negative effects that GenAI might have on the academic library experience for higher education (HE) students. The key aspects of enhanced discovery and retrieval, personalization and engagement, streamlined research processes, and digital literacy and information evaluation potentially offered through using generative AI will be considered. These prospective advantages to HE students offered by using GenAI will be examined through will be examined through the theoretical framework of the Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) introduced by Davis et al. in 1986, which suggests that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are key factors in determining user acceptance and utilization of technology. The adoption of GenAI by higher education students will be analyzed from this viewpoint before assessing its impact on their use of library resources.

RETRACTED: Design and Implementation of Folk Arts and Crafts Resource Library System Based on Ontology Description and Random Matrix

This article first constructs an ontology, designs the ontology of the resource library, and then uses the ontology to generate formatted SMD. It uses semantic elements to standardize the description of system resources, organizes folk arts and crafts resources in a machine understandable manner, and presents semantic features to users in an intuitive manner. And use random matrix theory to extract the correlation between data from massive amounts of data. The experimental results show that the running time of the system algorithm reaches 1.8 seconds, effectively avoiding the algorithm's extended state estimation falling into local optima and greatly reducing the computational complexity of the algorithm. This study is conducive to promoting the role of resource library systems and improving retrieval efficiency.

Reconfigurable flexible assembly model and implementation for cross-category products

As the production orders are becoming multi-category and small-batch in the era of product personalization, these require frequent reconfiguration of reconfigurable flexible assembly system for cross-category products (RFAS-CCP). However, there is no suitable theoretical assembly model and systematic implementation framework. We first propose a five-element assembly model (FAM) for RFAS-CCP, i.e. product, process, resource, knowledge, and decision. The product, process, and resource element describe the objects, steps to be assembled, and the tools, fixtures, and other equipment used for assembly, respectively. The knowledge element is a form representation of various heterogeneous data, such as a knowledge graph. The decision element includes various assembly methods to achieve assembly automation, flexibility, and intelligence. Then, in order to standardize and easy the frequent reconfiguration process, we reorganize various decision methods into a three-phase systematic implementation framework according to which stage they are used: design, configuration, and operation phases. The design phase methods primarily design various assembly modules for a product family, forming an assembly resource library. The configuration phase methods primarily configure suitable assembly lines for a specific product in the product family. The operation phase methods monitor the status of the assembly line and ensures its stable operation through health management. Finally, the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed five-element assembly model and three-phase systematic implementation framework are experimented with a pressure reducing valve product.

Role of social media and library marketing in Indian universities

Purpose Social media marketing (SMM) denotes attaining website traffic or attention through social media platforms. The paper aims to focus on examining the viewpoint of library professionals from different universities along with the user respondents from different disciplines and universities on the role of social media tools to market university libraries. Design/methodology/approach It is a survey-based study that used the questionnaire as its chief data collection instrument designed to be administered to library professionals (n = 100) and users (n = 1,189) from eight universities. The study also adopted the general observation and interview methods to supplement the data. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, and Chi-square test and ANOVA were applied to ascertain the significant variations in viewpoints of the library professionals and the users. Findings The research study showed that library professionals (from different universities) and users (from different disciplines and universities) felt that social media could be an appropriate marketing tool for libraries in the future. Observations during data collection highlighted a lack of confidence and unwillingness among library professionals to implement any changes in the present time. Practical implications The present study provides some significant insights for improving the current situation of the libraries under study in terms of increasing awareness among the students and adopt social media tools for marketing of library facilities and services in future. It is important to note that a few issues that came into light during data collection were a marked lack of willingness and prevalence of less confidence among the library professionals to execute or implement the social media tools to market library resources and services among the users. Originality/value SMM programs focus on creating content that attracts attention and encourages readers to use it. This study attempts to fill the gap in of marketing in libraries through social media. The paper offers insights into the use of marketing tools for promoting library resources and services as per the needs of library users. The research work differs from other studies undertaken on library marketing related to social media as it has included both library professionals and users together to obtain a better picture in this regard.

Digital transformation of reading behaviors among allied health students: insights from medical libraries in Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the digital transformation of students' reading preferences and behaviors, considering the significant impact of digital resources accessible through the internet among allied health students. Design/methodology/approach The researchers used a structured questionnaire to collect data. The study focused on undergraduate allied health students from medical universities in Pakistan. The researchers used a convenient sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using statistical software packages R and SPSS. Findings The results indicate that allied health students frequently use databases, e-books and e-journals to fulfil their academics and research needs, aiding in the acquisition of up-to-date information and supporting various academic research pursuits. The study emphasizes the positive effects on the reading habits of allied health students, attributing these improvements to factors such as enhanced online databases, a broader array of materials and the integration of digital tools. However, challenges arise from the limited availability of relevant e-resources and the dispersion of information across various library sources. Originality/value This study provides valuable insights into the availability and utilization of e-resources among allied health students in Pakistan. It highlights the crucial role that digital resources play in shaping reading behaviors within the educational landscape. This study holds significance as it contributes to educational enhancement, proves beneficial for the improvement of university library resources and services and aids in the development of policies in health-care education.

Korean Immigrant Parents Are Validated in Their Perceptions of Deficits in Library Resources Supporting Korean Immigrants in Three Southeastern Suburban Counties

A Review of: Kim, Y., Kim, H. C. L., & Kim, J. (2023). Korean immigrants’ perceptions of library services and library multicultural programs for Asian communities before and during COVID-19. Frontiers in Education, 8, Article 1081143. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1081143 Objective – To explore Korean immigrant parents’ use and perceptions of public libraries and to analyze the resources and programs offered by public libraries that specifically support multiculturalism and the needs of immigrants. Design – Descriptive case study using a questionnaire for parents and additional analysis of library resources and programs. Setting – Three public library systems within three counties in a metropolitan area of a southeastern U.S. state. Subjects – 141 Korean immigrant parents, as well as library resources and 318 programs offered across the three public library systems. Methods – Respondents were recruited among parents of children enrolled in nonprofit summer camps at three local Korean American churches. The questionnaire included two open-ended questions and six closed questions and was completed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was analyzed with quantitative methods including Chi-square test and correlation and Spearman’s rank order correlation. SPSS was used to conduct an inferential analysis of the responses. The analyzed library resources and programs were divided into two different time periods; phase 1 or the “before COVID-19” phase consisted of data collection from January to April 2018, and phase 2 or the “during COVID-19” phase consisted of data collection from January to April 2021. The number of books and digital media in Korean, as well as the number of multicultural programs offered, were counted, and qualitative methods were used to classify the programs into categories for analysis. Main Results – Key results of the questionnaire include that 79% of the respondents resided in one of the three counties within the public library systems being analyzed, and 79% spent time at the library at least once per year. Reasons for visiting the library included children’s books (97%), study spaces (18%), books for parents’ needs (12%), and library programs (8%). Most respondents (82%) did not think or did not know if libraries offered programs for immigrants. Of parents who were aware of programs for immigrants, only 7% (n=1) were aware of being able to borrow books in Korean, and 53% (n=8) were aware of programs such as ESL classes. Correlation analysis showed that the more time a respondent spent at a library, the more they believed that the libraries offered programs for immigrants. Some respondents (43%, n=61) provided reasons for library dissatisfaction, which included language barriers (38%), lack of Korean resources (38%), lack of cultural events (25%), lack of knowledge about how to use the library (10%), and staff unkindness (7%). Respondents who listed future needs (23%, n=33) asked for academic support programs for their children (33%) and more services for adults (61%), including ESL classes (30%), cultural events (12%), adult classes (9%), and books in Korean (6%). The analysis of library resources across library systems A, B, and C respectively showed 371 (0.27% of total collection), 636 (0.27%), and 1 (0.04%) books in Korean, and 16, 89, and 0 electronic resources in Korean, with less than 4% of the total resources in Korean being published since 2009. The analysis of multicultural programs at library systems B and C was divided into analysis of programs for children and adults and included the number and frequency of programs within multiple categories. Multicultural programs were more likely to be offered to adults than to children, and the total adult multicultural programs increased during COVID-19 compared to before COVID-19. However, the percentage of specifically Asian American programming decreased during COVID-19 in System B (from 6.3% to zero) and increased in System C (from zero to 3%). Conclusion – Amongst the respondents, libraries were especially valued for access to books for their children. The respondents' perceptions of the lack of availability of multicultural programming, as well as resources specifically for the Korean community, was reflected in the analysis of programs offered, which showed that there were few programs offered specifically in support or celebration of Asian or Asian American communities. The analysis of books and electronic resources documents a lack of Korean-language resources, especially recently published resources. The number of resources at the libraries does not adequately reflect the percentage of Korean Americans in the larger community.

The Role of Working Commission Transactions in Afghanistan's Legal System

A commission agent is an individual who conducts business transactions in their own name on behalf of the transaction owner, earning a fee for their services. This contractual arrangement between the transaction owner and the commission agent is referred to as a working commission. It is important to differentiate working commission from representation and advocacy; in traditional representation or advocacy, the representative or advocate acts on behalf of the principal or client, whereas a commission agent often conceals the identity of their principal. Consequently, the party involved in the transaction may only recognize the commission agent’s right and not the identity of the principal. This research highlights the significance of working commission transactions within the Afghan legal framework by thoroughly examining their legal implications. The importance of this discussion is paramount, as it addresses a critical issue impacting Afghan society. The objectives of this research can be viewed from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Theoretically, the primary aim is to expand the academic understanding of commission transactions. Practically, the research seeks to analyze the position of commission work within Afghanistan's legal system, which constitutes a fundamental legal concern. The investigation was conducted using library resources and existing legal texts from Afghanistan. Insights and definitions pertaining to this topic were derived from relevant books and legal documents. Through this research, I have concluded that a commission agent is a businessman who operates in their own name while acting on behalf of others. In this context, entities that establish and manage property dealer offices serve as pertinent examples of working commission practices.

An Experiment with the Use of ChatGPT for LCSH Subject Assignment on Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study delves into the potential use of large language models (LLMs) for generating Library of Congress subject headings. The authors employed ChatGPT to generate subject headings for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) based on their titles and abstracts. The results suggest that LLMs such as ChatGPT have the potential to reduce the cataloging time needed for assigning subject terms from Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) for ETDs as well as to improve the discovery of this type of resource in academic libraries. Nonetheless, human catalogers remain essential for verifying and enhancing the validity, exhaustivity, and specificity of Library of Congress subject headings generated by LLMs.